Sunday, 28 September is to be set aside as a
Day of Prayer for The 3rd Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of
Bishops, scheduled to take place from 5th to 19th October to treat the topic: The
Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization. Particular
churches, parish communities, institutes of consecrated life, associations and
movements are invited to pray for this intention during Mass and at other
liturgical celebrations, in the days leading to the synod and during the synod
itself. In Rome, in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, prayers will be recited
each day in the chapel of the icon, Salus Populi Romani. The faithful, individually
but above all in families, are invited to join in these prayers. The suggested
prayers include the Prayer to the Holy Family for the Synod, composed by Pope
Francis, and the following proposed intentions during the Prayers of the
Faithful which can be adapted at Sunday Mass on 28 September and during the
synod. These intentions can also be included in the petitions at Lauds and
Vespers. The recitation of the Holy Rosary is also recommended for the duration
of the synodal assembly.
Prayer to the Holy Family for the Synod
Jesus,
Mary and Joseph,
in
you we contemplate
the
splendour of true love,
to
you we turn with trust.
Holy
Family of Nazareth,
grant
that our families too
may
be places of communion and prayer,
authentic
schools of the Gospel
and
small domestic Churches.
Holy
Family of Nazareth,
may
families never again
experience
violence, rejection and division:
may
all who have been hurt or scandalized
find
ready comfort and healing.
Holy
Family of Nazareth,
may
the approaching Synod of Bishops
make
us once more mindful
of
the sacredness and inviolability of the family,
and
its beauty in God’s plan.
Jesus,
Mary and Joseph,
graciously
hear our prayer.
Amen.
